We love riding TheBus in Hawaii. It gets us to work, the store, wherever we need to go. One can get most anywhere on the island using public transportation. It is a great transit option because it gives its riders flexibility that cars can not (on top of being environmentally friendly). We can read a book, play on our phones, take a nap, and after a few drinks it gets us home safely. Best of all it costs just $60 per month for an adult. Studies have shown that young professionals today are not as interested in buying cars as their parents in favor of public transit. However, TheBus has some pitfalls that is limiting its attractiveness to new riders.
TheBus
picture courtesy of wikipedia.org
Suggestions to make TheBus even better
GPS/Timing: One of the biggest complaints about riding the bus is the time schedule and how inconsistent buses are. TheBus has been proactive by initiating a GPS phone application and digital signs at a few bus stops. The app could be more user-friendly and only caters to those with smart phones and the digital time boards have displayed “standby” ever since installation. Some routes are long and traffic is unpredictable, so having a working display board and GPS app can help us riders. Additionally, if a bus is at a stop early then it should wait until it is back on schedule.
Comfort: When the bus is full it is too hot, but when it is half empty it is freezing. When its 80 degrees outside people are probably wearing shorts and t-shirts and do not want to carry around sweaters, but the bus seems to want to blast the air conditioner and make it uncomfortable for all of us. WiFi access would be a nice amenity, I know Greyhound and other charter busses do it. Overcrowding is another comfort issue, more busses on busy routes and during peak times can help.
Stops: In order to make express busses truly “express” they must have fewer stops only at the main transfer stops. All other busses need planned stops at major destinations, a stop is not needed every at block (people can walk a block to catch the bus, it is good for them).
For more ideas to improve upon public transportation check out this article.
Plan for the Public 